Caribbean

Virgin Islands

Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Montserrat, and the Turks and Caicos are British overseas territories comprising the British West Indies. Three U.S. embassies in the Caribbean area share responsibility for U.S. citizens visiting the islands of the British West Indies. For the areas named below, refer to the specific U.S. Embassy with consular jurisdiction and the appropriate Consular Information Sheet as necessary for additional information.

Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, and Montserrat are within the consular district of the U.S. Embassy located in Bridgetown, Barbados. Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands have moderately developed economies. Tourist facilities are widely available. Montserrat has an economy recovering from a series of eruptions from the Soufriere Hills Volcano. Access to the southern part of the island is restricted. Residents are concentrated in the northern designated safe zones. Accommodations are very limited. The airport remains closed, and most visitors to the island travel by daily ferry from Antigua. Travelers should check with Carib World Travel in Antigua, telephone (268) 460-6101, for sailing times.

The Cayman Islands are within the consular district of the U.S. Embassy located in Kingston, Jamaica.

The Turks and Caicos are within the consular district of the U.S. Embassy located in Nassau, Bahamas. The Turks and Caicos is an archipelago of eight major islands and numerous uninhabited cays. Most tourist facilities are located on Providenciales (Provo) and Grand Turk islands. The U.S. dollar is the unit of currency and the larger hotels and shops accept credit cards.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: For tourist stays up to three months in Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands and Montserrat, and for stays up to 30 days in the Turks and Caicos, U.S. citizens need either a passport, naturalization certificate, or original certified birth certificate as well as photo identification, onward or return tickets, and sufficient funds for their stay. The Cayman Islands and Turks and Caicos also require the payment of a $15 departure tax by all persons 12 years of age and older. In the Cayman Islands, the tax is included in the airfare. For arranging longer stays or arranging work permits in the Cayman Islands or the Turks and Caicos, travelers should contact the Department of Immigration of the Cayman Islands at 011 (345) 949-8344 or the Turks and Caicos Immigration Department at (011) 649 946-2939.

For further information regarding entry and customs requirements for any of the British West Indies, U.S. citizens may contact the British Embassy, 3100 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008; telephone (202) 462-1340; or the nearest British consulate in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York or San Francisco. Internet: http://nsi.org/travel/british-west-indies.txt or http://www.britain-info.org.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands and Montserrat customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from these territories of items such as firearms, agricultural products, and currency. It is advisable to contact the Turks and Caicos Customs Department at (649) 946-2867 for specific information regarding customs requirements of that territory. The importation of firearms to the Turks and Caicos is strictly forbidden without prior approval in writing from the Commissioner of Police.

CRIME: Petty street crime does occur. Visitors should not leave valuables unattended in their hotel rooms or on the beach. In the Turks and Caicos, visitors may dial 999 or 911 for emergency police, fire, or medical assistance.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State's pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad for ways to promote a more trouble-free journey. This publication and others, such as Tips for Travelers to the Caribbean, are available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402; via the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs; or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens are subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protection available to individuals under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating the laws of Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, Montserrat, the Cayman Islands, or the Turks and Caicos, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in these territories are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical facilities are available, but limited in Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, and the Turks and Caicos. There is a small public hospital on Grand Turk and a private clinic on Provo. This clinic has a hyperbaric chamber. Most serious cases require medical evacuation by air from the Turks and Caicos to the United States, which is expensive. Travelers should ensure that their medical insurance is valid outside the U.S. and that it will cover the expense of air evacuation. Medical facilities are very limited in Montserrat. Although the quality of medical care in the Cayman Islands is comparable to that in the U.S., some procedures and critical care require medical evacuation to the United States. Because of the Cayman Islands highly developed diving sector, a hyperbaric chamber is available. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.

Arthropodborne diseases:

Dengue Fever

We recommend:

Usage of long-sleeved shirt and long pants to wear whenever possible while outside, to prevent illnesses carried by insects
Usage og insect repellent containing DEET (diethylmethyltoluamide), in 30%–35% strength for adults and 6%–10% for children. Unless you are staying in air-conditioned or well-screened housing
Usage of a bed net impregnated with the insecticide permethrin.
Staying and sleeping in air-conditioned houses

Water- and foodborne diseases:

Other diseases:

Hepatitis B

Vaccination recommendation:

Hepatitis A or Immune Globulin
Hepatitis B or Immune Globulin
Typhoid fever - typhoid vaccination is particularly important because of the presence of S. typhi strains resistant to multiple antibiotics in this region.
Rabies - if risk for contact with animals
A booster for tetanus/diphtheria - if not covered which indicates not vaccinated within th last 10 years.

Stay healthy:

Wash hands often with soap and water.
Drink only boiled water, or water and carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans
Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes.
Eat only thoroughly cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself. Remember: boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it
Protect yourself from insects by remaining in well-screened areas, using repellents (applied sparingly at 4-hour intervals) and permethrin-impregnated mosquito nets, and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants from dusk through dawn.
Prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot
Do not travel at night
Trafic accidents are frequent, be careful
Always use latex condoms to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases
Don’t eat food purchased from street vendors.

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Updated 21-Jul-2003 • ŠtraveldoctorOnline 2001 • Disclaimer • webmaster

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